Bangladeshi Community of Toronto Celebrates the 12th Annual Feast of St. Anthony of Padua

On June 21, 2026, more than 600 members of Toronto’s Bangladeshi Catholic community gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Scarborough to celebrate the 12th annual Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, organized by the St. Anthony Community of Bangladesh Ontario (SACBO).

His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo presided at the bilingual (English and Bengali) Mass, assisted by Fr. Thomas Xavier Gomes, Fr. Arthur Lee, Fr. Allan Glass, and Fr. Cecil. In his homily, Cardinal Leo encouraged the faithful to deepen their faith while celebrating the richness of their cultural heritage and unity in Christ.

Following the Mass, participants venerated the statue of St. Anthony and received blessed cookies, prayer cards, and dinner packages. The celebration was also livestreamed on Facebook.

Under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Thomas Xavier Gomes, SACBO continues to strengthen the faith of the Bangladeshi Catholic community through its annual feast, nine-day Novena, monthly online Rosary, and charitable support for educational initiatives in Bangladesh, remaining committed to its mission of prayer, service, and devotion to St. Anthony of Padua.